Every week, we put out a call for your redhead questions. This gives you a chance to get advice or input from our team of redheads. From beauty and fashion to lifestyle, redheads are in a unique boat, and we want to help make this community a place where you can turn for all your redhead needs.
This week, we’re answering the question: “Is red hair more or less porous?” Understanding your red hair is essential when perfecting your hair care routine. Understanding your hair type, texture, and porousness will help you pick the right products and give your hair the care it needs to look its best.
What is hair porosity?
Porosity refers to the ability to absorb and retain moisture. Some hair is more porous and has “high porosity,” while others are less porous and have “low porosity.” There is also “medium porosity” hair, which absorbs and retains an average amount of water. The porosity of your hair depends on how the hair cuticle is structured.
- Low-porosity hair: Some common characteristics of low-porosity hair include taking longer to get wet and dry, being resistant to color or chemical treatments, scalp build-up, and products not absorbing as well. Low-porosity hair may also be quite shiny.
- Medium porosity hair: Some common characteristics of medium porosity hair include its ability to absorb and retain moisture easily and not dry too quickly, its general ability to hold a style well, minimal breakage, and split ends. However, it is not quite as shiny as low-porosity hair.
- High-porosity hair: Some common characteristics of high-porosity hair include looking/feeling dry, being prone to frizz and breakage, getting tangled easily, becoming wet easily and drying quickly, and absorbing a lot of product. High-porosity hair may be less shiny.
Is red hair more or less porous?
To answer the question, hair color doesn’t determine porosity. While most redheads have coarser, thicker hair and often have some curl pattern or wave, all red hair is different. Hair porosity is a scale, and redheads can fall anywhere on that scale.
How can I tell what my hair is?
You may be able to tell your hair’s porosity level just by feeling it in the shower. If your hair has a hard time absorbing water, you may have low porosity hair. On the other hand, if your hair gets wet quickly, you may have high porosity hair. You can also use your hair type to help figure out your porosity level.
The most effective method to assess your hair’s porosity—whether high, medium, or low—is to perform an at-home porosity test. Start by taking a clean strand of hair and placing it in water. If the hair floats, it indicates low porosity. When it hovers around the middle, it represents medium porosity. The hair sinking to the bottom means your hair has high porosity.
Porosity level and hair type
Although a correlation exists between porosity level and hair type, remember that porosity is scaled, and your red hair might not fit perfectly into these categories.
- Type 1 Hair: Low Porosity
- Type 2 Hair: Low to Medium Porosity
- Type 3 Hair: Medium to High Porosity
- Type 4 Hair: High Porosity
What type of products should each porosity level use?
When building your hair care routine, your hair’s porosity, like the type and texture, can play a role.
- Low-porosity hair is easily weighed down, so lightweight products are necessary. Simple is usually better with low-porosity hair, as it can’t hold much product. The best products for low-porosity hair are those rich in moisture and contain ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, and coconut oil.
- Medium-porosity hair often requires less maintenance and effort and looks best naturally. Depending on how coarse or thick your hair is, you may need added moisture or definition if you have waves or curls.
- High-porosity hair needs help fighting frizz and adding shine. It can often hold much more products and handle thicker products. High-porosity hair is usually wavy or curly, so curl creams, mousses, and other defining products can be very helpful.
Rock it like a Redhead!
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